Pro bono opportunities vary depending on the needs of the client community. Examples of pro bono legal services to indigent clients may include, but are not limited to: 

• Representation (full or limited scope)
• Negotiation and settlement
• Screening and intake
• Brief service by phone or in person
• Legal information or “Know Your Rights” workshops
• Document preparation and review
• Legal research and writing
• Litigation support
• Legislative research and legal analysis

The Handbook on Client Trust Accounting for California Attorneys is the primary resource. The State Bar also maintains an online list of resources on client trust accounting as well as information about IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts) requirements. If you have questions, please fill out the Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry Form.

Payments will be made through a third-party vendor, Wells Fargo, using their E-Bill Express platform.

Unfortunately, the State Bar is unable to refer you to an attorney or judge. You are required to find a qualified attorney or judge who is willing to supervise your legal studies. You may wish to contact your local bar association for assistance.

For purposes of this reporting requirement, board service for a legal aid nonprofit would qualify because all board work with such an organization is enabling the delivery of legal services to the indigent (since these organizations primarily serve indigent California residents). Please note that some legal aid providers and other nonprofits for which attorneys provide pro bono legal services may also ask attorneys to report pro bono hours, but the definition for pro bono legal services may vary for their purposes. Attorneys should confirm definitions with the entity before reporting pro bono hours to the entity.  

Yes. Uncompensated work by volunteer attorneys that enables the delivery of legal services at a charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or education organization in matters in furtherance of its organizational purposes would qualify as bono hours as defined under Business and Professions Code section 6073.1(c)(1)(C). This includes volunteer teaching at a law school as well as volunteer mediation or arbitration services provided through a court, even when the parties are not indigent.

Possibly. Uncompensated work with an LRS oversight panel may count toward the pro bono hours requirement if it enables the delivery of legal services at a charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or education organization in matters in furtherance of its organizational purposes as defined under Business and Professions Code section 6073.1(c)(1)(C). Licensees should use their best judgment when determining whether the work performed, particularly non-legal tasks, enables the direct provision of legal work to the indigent or other nonprofit organizations.

Please submit your information both online and by email, fax or mail. We will review the submission and let you know if you need to correct any deficiencies or provide further documentation. Once the administrative portion of the audit has been completed, you will be notified by mail. Attorneys who attested to compliance but failed to provide sufficient proof may be referred to the Office of Chief Trial Counsel for further investigation and/or disciplinary prosecution.

The State Bar offers attorneys who would otherwise be inactive the opportunity to contribute their legal expertise to Californians in need through its Pro Bono Practice Program.

Participants who qualify can have their State Bar annual fees waived and also get free and reduced rates to attend Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE).

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply here.

The State Bar does not have a formal program for active attorneys.

Disciplinary action for violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct or the State Bar Act ranges from private reproval to disbarment.

The Probation Unit of the Office of Chief Trial Counsel monitors attorneys' compliance with the conditions imposed on suspensions and reprovals.

The State Bar Court also may put attorneys on involuntary inactive status if they appear to pose a serious threat to the public.

If a State Bar investigation indicates that an attorney's conduct only bordered on a violation or was a minor breach, State Bar prosecutors may choose an alternative to discipline.

The State Bar's Office of Chief Trial Counsel could decide to send a Directional or Warning Letter to the attorney - and close the case. Or they could issue an Admonition informing the attorney that no further action will take place as long as they stay out of trouble for two years. Or they could settle on an Agreement in Lieu of Discipline that requires the attorney to fulfill specially tailored remedial conditions.